Balloons, Balloons!

Ahhhhh. The peak in my year has to be the amazing Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. It's the most photographed event in the world. Who could pass this up? About 700 hot air balloons flying overhead, being laid out in the grass, inflated right before your eyes. The fire that heats the balloon's air is so loud and hot on these chilly mornings. There are so many, it would be impossible to post them all, so here are some special pics....

Fog as we left sweet Oklahoma.

Bees flying!....flying closer

Balloons flying overhead. You feel so small when these huge balloons are all around you....like Alice in Wonderland.

Alas, the cow could not get up this time. She looks so sad. I say "she" because when it's fully inflated, there are visible utters!

It's REALLY this beautiful and cool!

We left with a fog and returned with a welcome home sunset. Amazement across 3 states!

I Heart Maine

I'm back from Maine! Wow, what a beautiful city and friendly people. My husband was so sweet to take me around for the afternoon. We strolled (not walked quickly) around the shops without a care in the world. No watch, no time constraint....just us.

The streets were cobblestone and sidewalks were brick. I loved the colonial, American charm.

We ate on a floating restaurant that overlooked the boats bobbing in the water.

Then we walked off the seafood and went to Portland's Architectural Salvage and browsed around. Everything was so cool in there and there was no way we could afford the pretty stuff we really wanted.

Price tag on this baby? About $400 each. Yeah, we just looked around and didn't touch anything.

Off to the yarn shops! I bought this cute kit at Tess's Yarns. It was a darling little shop with everything hand dyed in Maine. This will be my first project knitting with ribbon. So far, it's going well.

It will be a heart scarf or belt and I can repeat the pattern to make it the length I want.

I also bought my first skein of Bamboo (the green skein in the background.) It is super soft like silk/cotton blend. I can't wait to try it out. I love getting things that I can make that will remind me of my vacation. I get fabric and yarn and make something cute out of it. People might comment on the item I made and then I have a little story about the history of the item. Who doesn't love a quick story?

You might remember the pattern I bought a while back. I finally found the perfect fabric for it. I went to a small fabric shop in Portland called Z Fabrics. The owner was there and she was absolutely precious. I showed her a picture of the pattern and we walked around and found this Miramekko design. The pattern print is in proportion for the dress...not too small, not too big.

I love the colors and think it will be a gorgeous dress! Pics of the process to come...

Coffee Shop Breakfast

While in Santa Fe, my friends and I had breakfast at the Flying Star Cafe. It is such an awesome atmosphere that has good food and great coffee!

Industrial looking storefront at the train station!

Appetizing counter...

Mags to read while waiting for FRESH food...
There's precious Jess, reading about "mommyhood."

Ah....the fresh food is ready! This is one of the few places I've been where they serve Hot Mochas in regular glasses. Bonus for the dollar!

These are Rise and Shine Sandwiches with bagels, green chili scrambled eggs and cheese with a side of green chili turkey sausage. Our vacation dollars always go to food!


Exceptional ambiance -

I have to say that each Flying Star/Satellite Coffee is unique and worth a look see. They all have their own character and feel. So whether you are in Santa Fe or Albuquerque, any one of them would be a great stop.

Amazing scultpure!

Anytime you are in Santa Fe, please visit this wonderful cafe at the train station. It's so close to everything with cute shops and local artisans on every corner...definite must see!

take a peek... http://www.flyingstarcafe.com/

Mountain Cabin and Adobe Houses

Mountain Cabin view...New Mexico mountains. The mountains of New Mexico bring me back to a time of no cares. They make you realize the present moment and breathe it in! The pine trees whisper like a waterfall and the blue mountain backdrop makes you feel like you're in a movie.

This is the beauty of the morning!

I was lucky enough to get a ride with my dear friends to Santa Fe, where I picked up a train to Albuquerque. It was a wonderful ride and the price for the Rail Runner? $7 one way...total deal!

Here's what I saw on the ride...

This adobe structure is in town and looks like it's on the road to restoration.

View leaving Santa Fe. Big, blue sky and sandy, stone colored houses.

Authentic adobe home and horno. The adobe is clay and mud baked or dried and built into a home. Adobe homes are very good at maintaining cool temps in the summer and staying warm in the winter. What is a horno? It's a clay oven used by Pueblo Indians to bake. These are still used and admired. I can't imagine cooking without a temperature control, so I completely admire and respect the ones who can look at the steaming, hot coals and say, "it's ready."

One last view of a dwelling and horno...

There's just no place like Santa Fe. Somehow there is an energy there that surrounds you and makes you realize what enchantment really is.